Recife, 1 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Northeast Region of Brazil economized 15.5% of electric energy during the 9 months of the rationing plan ordered by the Energy Crisis Management Committee. The mandatory reduction of energy consumption, which began in June of 2001, was suspended on Thursday, February 28, after the reservoirs of hydroelectric plants of the region recuperated 55% of their capacity. The expectation is that this level rise to 70% by April, due to the current rainy season.

The expectation is that there will be no further need for energy rationing in the Northeast, at least not until the end of the year, since the measures taken by the federal government guarantee an expansion of the offer of electricity from thermoelectric plants - said the head of operations of the São Francisco Hydroelectric Company (CHESF), Paulo de Tarso. (MW)